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From Jarrow to Java
A book based on some of the unique characters and situations encountered in the course of a large construction project in East Java during a crucial time in Indonesia's history .
The cast includes all the usual suspects Europeans, Australians, Americans etc. but the starring roles are Indonesians.
Centred around the building of an Independent Power Plant consisting of eight coal-fired power stations, distribution system and extensive infrastructure with over ten thousand employees at the height of construction activities.
The account is based around the job, the impact on the area, the people, the ladies, the pubs, the problems, the perceptions...and misconceptions. Featuring an introduction to Javanese customs and culture plus their effect on interaction between expats and locals, including the often weird and wonderful way that Indonesians view foreigners ....plus how some Westerners behave when given the 'keys to the sweetie shop'
The timescale covers immediately before, during and after the downfall of the Soeharto regime.
A lot of the characters recur throughout the stories, some of the chapters are linked or cross referenced.
All of the names have been changed and some players and scenarios are a sum of several people or events, on reflection I have removed some altogether to protect the innocent and prevent the guilty from repercussions by angry wives, girlfriends…and mothers.
These are all my own work and based on actual events that I was directly involved in or witnessed personally, no hearsay, urban legends or second hand gossip.
Although based in Indonesia the anecdotes will appeal to anyone who would like to expand their social and geographical boundaries, and just possibly gain an insight into just how other people live, laugh, endure and survive ……
Joe Writeson
The cast includes all the usual suspects Europeans, Australians, Americans etc. but the starring roles are Indonesians.
Centred around the building of an Independent Power Plant consisting of eight coal-fired power stations, distribution system and extensive infrastructure with over ten thousand employees at the height of construction activities.
The account is based around the job, the impact on the area, the people, the ladies, the pubs, the problems, the perceptions...and misconceptions. Featuring an introduction to Javanese customs and culture plus their effect on interaction between expats and locals, including the often weird and wonderful way that Indonesians view foreigners ....plus how some Westerners behave when given the 'keys to the sweetie shop'
The timescale covers immediately before, during and after the downfall of the Soeharto regime.
A lot of the characters recur throughout the stories, some of the chapters are linked or cross referenced.
All of the names have been changed and some players and scenarios are a sum of several people or events, on reflection I have removed some altogether to protect the innocent and prevent the guilty from repercussions by angry wives, girlfriends…and mothers.
These are all my own work and based on actual events that I was directly involved in or witnessed personally, no hearsay, urban legends or second hand gossip.
Although based in Indonesia the anecdotes will appeal to anyone who would like to expand their social and geographical boundaries, and just possibly gain an insight into just how other people live, laugh, endure and survive ……
Joe Writeson
Kindle Edition
First published April 9, 2013
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